The Lakers' Andrew Bynum attempts to shoot as the Timberwolves' Kevin Love and Anthony Randolph defend in the second half. The Lakers won, 106-101. JIM MONE, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

MINNEAPOLIS – Times have changed since the Lakers would take the regular season for granted, one lazy eye on their opponents and one steadier eye on the playoffs.

So desperate was first-year Lakers coach Mike Brown for this 106-101 victory over the young Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night, Brown pushed Lakers All-Stars Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol to play the entire second half Sunday night to finish a road back-to-back set.

At least it wound up paying off with the victory, only the Lakers' second in nine road games this season. Bryant said he couldn't remember the last time he and Gasol played the last 24 minutes together.

Gasol was assertive both early and late, a strong follow-up after he vowed in the wake of the loss Saturday night in Milwaukee that he needed to "force the issue" better. Gasol had 14 first-quarter points, making 6 of 8 field-goal attempts without a turnover.

Down the stretch, he and Andrew Bynum effectively played a high-low post game together, and saving Bryant's energy for a scoring burst in the final minutes. Bryant had 35 points, Gasol 28 and Bynum 21.

"We just had to get it done," said Gasol, who was pivotal in carving up Minnesota's second-half zone that helped the Timberwolves rally from 18 points down.

Bryant was pleased by Bynum and Gasol scoring so well that the Lakers hit 106 points one game after setting a franchise record with 13 consecutive games short scoring of 100 points.

"They played well because they were aggressive," Bryant said.

Metta World Peace made his first start of the season over Matt Barnes at small forward and logged 33 minutes to Barnes' 14.

"He was solid," Brown said of World Peace. "We just want that position to be solid."

On his way to his postgame shower, Gasol popped his head into a group of reporters interviewing Bynum just as a question was asked about Bryant and Gasol playing the whole second half. Gasol chimed in: "I noticed" — but at least he could say it with a smile.

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